Greening Roofs

On July 12, 2012, the Office of Sustainability and Planning Department presented the Green Roof Symposium which brought together experts from industry, policy, and research to increase public awareness and businesses’ understanding of how green roof technology can be utilized to help solve environmental problems such as air pollution, storm water runoff, biodiversity loss, and the heat island effect in urban areas.

Download speaker presentations or watch the video from the Green Roof Symposium here.

Expand the centralized Energy Management System (EMS)

In 2007, the City installed a computer-based energy management control system to efficiently operate many of the City’s heating and air conditioning units. This system has helped save energy and money by implementing conservation measures in City facilities. We continue to expand this system to more facilities and expect to get a financial savings for our investments within 3 to 4 years.

Track and analyze energy usage trends

The City has new software that tracks, trends and models the City’s actual energy usage. Growth needs and potential projects can be identified and modeled with actual data to help determine future requirements.

Adopt more efficient technology

The City’s Information Technology Department has adopted green technologies where possible, improving the efficiency of desktop PC’s and reducing the number of servers. IT is also implementing a green awareness program, which moves projects that save energy to the top of the priority list.

Construct energy efficient facilities

The City has built a LEED compliant library near NW 122 and Glenhurst Blvd and a fire station in Bricktown. LEED is a construction planning process and building standard that assures a facility demonstrates Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Install radiant heaters in fire stations

Radiant heaters are being installed in fire station garages to maximize efficiency. The sensation of personal comfort is caused by a combination of air temperature and radiant energy that equals the body’s energy need. A greater amount of radiant energy will provide equally comfortable conditions at a lower air temperature. This is especially critical in situations like a fire station where very large overhead doors are opened and the heated air inside is replaced by much cooler air. This project is expected to pay for itself in 6 to 7 years.

Installing gas hot water heaters

Crews are replacing aging water heaters with higher efficiency gas water heaters throughout City buildings.

Replace heat and air units

The City requires purchasing heating and cooling equipment with at least a 13 Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). This rating means our heating and cooling units are highly efficient and deliver greater comfort while lowering the City’s energy costs.

Coordinate lighting upgrades

Under a contract with the City, crews are replacing existing fluorescent lights with energy efficient T-8 fluorescent lighting in City-owned downtown office buildings. They are also replacing incandescent lamps with compact fluorescent lamps and exit signs with new LED illuminated exit signs. Restrooms in several of the downtown office buildings have been equipped with energy-saving light occupancy sensors.

Retrofit lighting in traffic signals and school zone flashers

Traffic signals are being retrofitted with energy saving LED (light-emitting diode) technology, replacing 150-watt incandescent bulbs.

Implement Green Infrastructure Task Force recommendations

A task force made up of the development community, government agencies, non-profits and educators was formed in January 2009 to help make Oklahoma City more sustainable by removing barriers to City codes, building more flexibility into regulations and establishing new standards. Among other things, the task force outlined recommendations for tree protection and conservation planning and strategies to provide incentives for "green" development.

Learn more about the Green Infrastructure Initiative.

Pursue environmental grants

City departments routinely search for grant opportunities, then review and apply for Federal and a variety of state-administered grants. This important effort assures our citizens that their tax dollars are being applied to improve the impacts on the environment in Oklahoma City.

Minimize paper products in waste stream by installing hand dryers

Paper towels have been replaced in Recreation Centers with hand dryers to reduce the amount of trash from paper towels.

“Turn it Off” team

The City launched a campaign in 2007 encouraging employees to conserve energy by turning off lights and unplugging equipment that’s not in use. The "Turn it Off Team" is a group of employees who help identify and implement energy-saving ideas in City Departments.